Vajra Barolo 'Ravera' 2021

Product information

Vajra Barolo ‘Ravera’ 2021

Nebbiolo from Piedmont, Novello, Italy, Barolo

$216

$206ea in any 3+
$196ea in any 6+
Closure: Cork

Description

UPDATE: Here’s the double cross … This is Ravera di Novello. I interviewed Eugene Qiao of Vajra and we laughed about the same thing. I forgot to amend the note. The triple cross is that Eugene informed me that the particular part of Ravera in Novella where their holding are has different soils that are much closer to the Ravera in Monforte than in Novello. I was making my note based on the structure looking a little more like Monforte!

On the back of drinking all the 2021 Clerico’s from Monforte d’Alba we have Vajra’s Ravera from Monforte. An oppulence of fruit, red, dark & inviting draws you in. Immediate generosity on the nose. Switching to the palate the tannins of Monforte great you, all of that chalky structural goodness. Like many Monforte’s we know they resolve into something impeccable given another 5-10 years. Again, perfumed, fresh and energetic. It will be a classic!

Paul Kaan, Wine Decoded

From one of the most sought-after crus sites today, the G.D. Vajra 2021 Barolo Ravera opens to a vibrant ruby color. The wine takes its time opening, especially when tasted young, but that delay bodes well for its future bottle evolution. This wine is built like a wall, with each brick representing its own distinct character. There is dark fruit, pressed flower, herb, ebony and a very elegant mineral side. The bouquet is direct and vertical, with lifted intensity over a medium-plus palate. The tannins are elegantly managed, and this wine has the latitude for long cellar aging. It ferments in stainless steel and ages in large oak casks.

Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate 97+ Points

The 2021 Barolo Ravera is laced with bright red-toned fruit, iron, spice, cedar, tobacco and dried herbs. Bright acids and beams of tannin give the Ravera its distinctively driving feel. Today, the 2021 is a bit sinewy. I suspect it will always remain a vibrant, steely Barolo. The Ravera is a fine choice for readers who appreciate the more savory, mineral side of Barolo.

Antonio Galloni, Vinous 95+ Points

KO 97

In stock

Check out all of the wines by Vajra

Why is this Wine so Yummy?

In the 1980s newlyweds Milena and Aldo were already cultivating a little area of Ravera planted to 100% Nebbiolo. This wine is the expression of a wait lasting more than 10 years, allowing the vines to mature and the wines to gain the right structure. It’s the sunniest, most silent and beautiful amphitheatre of the area. Ravera sits at an average elevation of 360 metres and is situated at the confluence of two different geological matrices. Over millions of years the layers were superimposed, creating a rather fragile soil subject to erosion, but with enormous potential. It is predominantly Sant’Agata fossil marl, interspersed with sand deposits rich in iron.

This undergoes a lengthy period of maceration, perhaps up to 45 days, including a short stint with submerged cap. Malolactic conversion takes place in steel in the spring following the harvest. It is aged for 30 months in 30hL Slavonian oak casks before bottling.

Giuseppe Vaira

Year after year, Vajra’s range stands head held high amongst the pack from the very start of the range through to the Bricco delle Viole.

This year’s release holds true to this strong form!

Maker! Maker! Make!

Year after year Vajra consistently nails two key components that have been the difference between the good Barolos and the ones with that little something extra (the ones we stock).

1st you’ll see fine long even tannins that flow beautifully.

2nd a core of fruit of depth and length with great shape.

Once again, their 2021 Barolos show the personality of each wine clearly with great definition. Acid / tannin complex in all of the 2021’s is exceptional giving them exceptional balance, seamless harmony and layered textures. As always, the Barolos offer a compelling mix of classicism and contemporary finesse.

We spent a wonderful morning with Eugene Qiao, winemaker and ambassador for Vajra at Wine Decoded HQ exploring her love of Italy and the fabulous wines of GD Vajra.

WINE DECODED · Wine Decoded Winemaker Session with Eugene Qiao from GD Vajra

A Session with Giuseppe

We had the great fortune to spend an afternoon with Guiseppe this year. His passion, and, his families passion, thoughtful, and, humble approach to their work is inspiring.

Listen to 🎧Giusseppe explore the history of Barolo, the estate, and, the wines.

About Vajra

Vajra Vineyards
Vajra Sorting Table
Vajra Nebbia

Vajra is one of those producers that, across their range, manages to deliver sophisticated, fun wines that are great expressions of fruit. Thankfully, unlike many, Giuseppe understands restraint and oak!

“I try to make wines that give people joy. In the past wine was a food, it was necessary for sustenance. Today that is not the case, we choose to drink for pleasure. I want to make wines that bring people happiness.” Aldo Vajra

The Vajra family has quietly amassed a serious collection of vineyards that make them one of Piedmont’s larger, family-owned estates, something they have accomplished while maintaining the already high level of their entry-level wines. Every wine in the range is absolutely delicious and full of personality. I can’t recommend these new releases highly enough. Antonio Galloni

The 2021 Vintage at Vajra

2021 vintage is set to provide some world class wines. Despite a frost alert in the spring, and a few violent hailstorms during summer, the season was generally very positive, moderately dry and with late harvests. All grapes have abundance of acidity and good phenolics, and the shortage of nitrogen in the fruit allowed for some of the longest and most gentle fermentations in recent years.

Vajra

Where in the World is Vajra?

You’ll find the Commune of Barolo (a little confusing as the whole region is also called Barolo) in the centre of the map. The Bricco delle Viole vineyards lying to the west of the township of Barolo and Ravera di Barolo to the south. Note there is also a Ravera vineyard in Monforte the commune at the very south of the region.

Click to Enlarge🔍
97+ Points

From one of the most sought-after crus sites today, the G.D. Vajra 2021 Barolo Ravera opens to a vibrant ruby color. The wine takes its time opening, especially when tasted young, but that delay bodes well for its future bottle evolution. This wine is built like a wall, with each brick representing its own distinct character. There is dark fruit, pressed flower, herb, ebony and a very elegant mineral side. The bouquet is direct and vertical, with lifted intensity over a medium-plus palate. The tannins are elegantly managed, and this wine has the latitude for long cellar aging. It ferments in stainless steel and ages in large oak casks.

Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate

95+ Points

The 2021 Barolo Ravera is laced with bright red-toned fruit, iron, spice, cedar, tobacco and dried herbs. Bright acids and beams of tannin give the Ravera its distinctively driving feel. Today, the 2021 is a bit sinewy. I suspect it will always remain a vibrant, steely Barolo. The Ravera is a fine choice for readers who appreciate the more savory, mineral side of Barolo.

Antonio Galloni, Vinous

Where in the world does the magic happen?

G.D. VAJRA, Piazza della Vite e del Vino, Barolo, Province of Cuneo, Italy

Novello
Barolo
Piedmont
Italy

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